Environmental Sustainability

We are committed to continuously improving environmental performance across the supply chain.

At XPO Logistics, we are fully committed to continuously improving our environmental impact in logistics and transport. Sustainable development has been part of our strategy for over a decade. We set demanding environmental management standards for our logistics sites, and we are proud to stand at the forefront of enhanced environmental performance in transport.

LOGISTICS

Strong environmental management is an integral part of our commitment to efficiency across our logistics operations. This includes:

Full regulatory compliance

The monitoring and documenting of energy consumption, wastewater and noise pollution

Waste recycling and reclamation

Programs that raise awareness among our workforce

Additionally, we focus on modernising our buildings and equipment to reduce energy consumption using technologies such as LED lighting, motion sensors and light sensors. We use materials that are less energy-intensive whenever possible for new construction and renovation projects. And a high proportion of the waste produced by our facilities is classified as clean recyclables, including plastic, paper and cardboard. In disposing of waste, we are constantly attuned to new recycling or recovery methodologies.

ISO 14001 certification – the leading environmental management standard – is a priority for all of our recent sites. In 2015, approximately half of our warehouses in Europe were already ISO 14001-certified and every site is required to operate according to our rigorous policies regarding regulatory compliance and risk prevention.

TRANSPORT

As Europe’s leading transport provider, we are committed to reducing the carbon footprint and overall environmental impact of our trucks. Our two key objectives are to continuously improve our CO2 transport measurements and to focus on innovation in our drive to implement the best emission reduction solutions.

XPO has allied with the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) for over a decade, and has been a signatory of the voluntary Objectif CO2 Charter program since its launch in 2008. We were closely involved in the design of the current Objectif CO2 Certificate and obtained this certification in early 2016.

Additionally, we created the first certified CO2 calculator, and we work closely with manufacturers to introduce innovative engines with sustainability features. We also leverage our multimodal solutions to reduce the environmental impact of transport by road, rail, river and sea.

To further reduce CO2 emissions, we are working on a series of measures in line with the four areas of improvement defined under the CO2 Charter: vehicles, drivers, fuel and the optimisation of transport flows.

Vehicles

In 2015, as part of our ongoing collaboration with manufacturers, we fitted all of our non-pallet distribution vehicles in Europe with low-rolling resistance tires. We also fitted 1,300 vehicles with an automatic geolocation-based navigation system. We estimate that this kind of navigation system can reduce a vehicle's on-road CO2 emissions by 5% through accurate routing.

Drivers

At XPO, we train all of our drivers to anticipate as they drive. This can minimise engine wear and cut fuel consumption by 10% or more. Our training program includes monthly tests of driver performance.

Fuel

After piloting several pre-series diesel-electric hybrid tractors in Europe in 2011, we went on to conduct feasibility studies on gas-powered engines in 2014, resulting in the commissioning of seven LNG-powered tractors in 2015. Major programs implementing these technologies were initiated in our European transport business in 2016.

Transport flows

XPO experts work closely with suppliers to develop technical solutions that optimise the carrying capacity of vehicles, such as double-deck trailers and composite tankers. We also work with customers to identify the most efficient transportation routes, thus helping all parties achieve their environmental objectives.